The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) has officially resolved to abstain from work on the first and third Saturdays of every month, starting from April 4, 2026. This decision is a direct protest against the Delhi High Court’s earlier mandate that designated these days as official court sitting days to manage the heavy caseload. The lawyers’ body reached this unanimous decision during an executive meeting, citing concerns about their professional balance and work-life schedules.
Why did the DHCBA decide to abstain from work?
The DHCBA Executive Committee met on April 2, 2026, and decided that its members would not participate in court proceedings on these specific Saturdays. They pointed out that their previous representations to the High Court administration regarding the inconvenience of Saturday sittings were not addressed. Lawyers argue that working on these days disrupts their preparation time, client meetings, and appearances before other tribunals or mediation centers. To manage emergencies, proxy counsels will be assigned to each court to handle necessary mentions.
Key dates and official notifications
The administrative change was originally introduced to address the growing backlog of legal cases. The following table outlines the timeline of decisions leading to the current strike resolution:
| Event Description | Date of Action |
|---|---|
| Full Court Resolution for Saturday Sittings | December 22, 2025 |
| Notification by Registrar General Arun Bhardwaj | January 15, 2026 |
| DHCBA Unanimous Vote to Abstain | April 2, 2026 |
| First Day of Work Abstention | April 4, 2026 |
Impact on case pendency and the general public
The High Court’s decision to add working days was prompted by an alarming figure of over 1.25 lakh pending cases, many of which have been stuck for more than a year. While the administration sees Saturday sittings as a way to speed up justice, the Bar Association suggests that filling 16 vacant judicial posts would be a more effective long-term solution. For common citizens, this standoff means that cases scheduled for the first and third Saturdays may face delays or lack of active representation from the main counsels.
